Aide at center for juveniles accused of strangling teen

HIGHLAND - An aide at the Highland Residential Center was arraigned in Ulster County Court on an eight-count indictment accusing him of strangling a youth in his care.

The center serves juveniles placed with the state Office of Children and Family Services.

Patricia Gunning, a special prosecutor with the state Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs, announced the indictment against William Spencer, 50, of Kingston.

The alleged attack happened Jan. 8. The youth suffered bruising and swelling of the neck and was treated by medical staff at the facility.

Spencer is charged with one count each of second-degree strangulation and attempted second-degree strangulation, felonies; and two counts of third-degree assault and one count each of criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, second-degree reckless endangerment, third-degree menacing and attempted third-degree assault, all misdemeanors.

Spencer, who is suspended from his job, was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court on Sept. 2.